Why can't we grow beards?

From the IG Desk: Waivers are available for a number of personal issues and each one is 'issue specific.' Such dispensations are reviewed and approved/disapproved by competent authority within the scope of the requested waiver. During my career, I observed a number of service members unshaven and/or sporting a beard of sorts. Local command medical authority issued time specific waivers due to allergy or similar problems. While servicing as IG for the 1st Cav in Bosnia (1998), service members were warned about tattoos. Six young men, on R&R in Budapest, ignored that guidance. On return, several fell ill and were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) as a result. Please see your local IG and educate yourself concerning the topics you have outlined. There are restrictions placed on the practices noted and are there for very good reasons. While the points made are of interest, they appear to be unsupported generalizations. Concerning reference to other military organizations; the United States military in its various branches holds to a much higher standard.

Facial hair? Good luck sealing that gas mask.

IMO it all has to do with uniformity and discipline. As an old fart I don't agree with a lot of the present changes.

My advice, ETS, grow your beard...if you can.

Couldn't get a tight fit on a gas mask, same reason Firemen don't have beards.

At one time in the dark, distant, past, when I was a Torpedo Division Officer, the question came up about beards. I checked with the Dept. Head and he said beards were okay with him, as long as you could get a seal on an emergency mask. Of the 57 men in my division I had one outspoken CPO and a couple of others who brought the problem to a head one day, and asked me for a decision. At that time I was clean shaven. Finally, I made the following decision; I was going on leave, and I told the Division that when I returned I would have a beard. Anyone who wanted a beard would have one just like mine, and other strange ideas or designs would be forgotten. My outspoken Chief mentioned something about the Head of the Navy and the Captain, so I took him aside and told him, "All you have to worry about is me!" For the remainder of my Navy career I maintained the beard, neatly trimmed, always easily fitted and sealed with an emergency mask, and to this day, some 44 years later I still wear that beard. Neatly trimmed, and because my wife admires it! My thought is, that if your boss supports your actions, a little thoughtful leadership may well solve the problem.

Let me tell you a story.......
Soldiers: "Hey Army, why can't we grow beards?"
Army: "Because, that's what's in the reg."
Soldiers: "But that's not really relevant anymore...."
Army: "Ok, we'll think about it."
Soldiers: "Thanks Army for at least considering it."
*Syrian Gas attacks*
Army: "Nah, we're gonna stick with the regs"
Soldiers: "DAMNIT!"

Don't worry. In a hundred years from now, when the Army finally gets the Storm Trooper uniforms, facial hair will be the norm.

Ever worn a gas mask, fired an M4, or buckled a helmet on with a beard? Picked lice or mud out of a beard? Sure, grooming standards, but there are practical reasons too.

We should be allowed to SSG(P) (Join to see)